pa

ralle

l PR

OC

ES

SE

SE

MB

AS

SY

F

OR

T

HE

E

UR

OP

EA

N

CO

MM

UN

IT

Y

P R

O C

E S

S

T Y

P E

P R

O G

R A

M

S I T

E

S Y

S T

E M

‘How

should Europe be represented in the w

orld?’ This project proposes an E

mbassy for the E

uropean

Com

munity in W

ashington D.C

. The design process seeks to reconcile several critical oppositions

imbedded w

ithin the task. The project develops and utilizes a new

embassy program

me w

hich extends

the notion of cultural exchange, through diplomacy, into the public realm

. It integrates a tectonic strategy

which provides necessary protection for building inhabitants, w

hile maintaining a sense of openness. In

addition, this project conceives of a system w

ithin which individual and collective identities m

ay coexist.

AB

ST

RA

CT

TH

ES

IS S

UB

MIT

TE

D T

O T

HE

FAC

ULT

Y O

F T

HE

VIR

GIN

IA P

OLY

TE

CH

NIC

INS

TIT

UT

E A

ND

STA

TE

UN

IVE

RS

ITY

IN P

AR

TIA

L FU

LFILLM

EN

T O

F T

HE

RE

QU

IRE

ME

NT

S F

OR

TH

E D

EG

RE

E O

F:

M A

S T

E R

O F

A R

C H

I T E

C T

U R

E

BLA

CK

SB

UR

G, V

IRG

INIA

. FE

BR

UA

RY

2002

Professor H

EIN

RIC

H S

CH

NO

ED

T : chairm

an

Professor W

ILLIAM

BR

OW

N

Professor W

ILLIAM

GA

LLOW

AY

Professor M

ICH

AE

L O’B

RIE

N

PA

RA

LLEL P

RO

CE

SS

ES

: Em

bassy for the European C

omm

unity

by MIC

HA

EL G

LEN

N T

EM

PLE

pa

r·al·le

l

1. Being an equal distance apart everyw

here2. H

aving comparable parts, analogous aspects, or readily recognized sim

ilarities3. H

aving the same tendency or direction: parallel m

otives and aims.

Gram

mar. H

aving identical or equivalent syntactic constructions in corresponding clauses or phrasesC

omputer S

cience. Of or relating to the sim

ultaneous performance of m

ultiple operations: parallel processing.

EU

RO

PE

AN

U

NI

ON

his

tory

me

mb

ers

hip

the

eu

ro: th

em

e a

nd

va

riatio

n

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

ma

ss

traditional mass . m

odern mass . layers

du

ality

private boundary . public access . mix uses

tex

ture

accomodation. activation

tran

sp

are

nc

yfilter . exhibition

P R

O G

R A

M

CO

NS

TR

AI

NT

PR

IO

RT

Y

PO

SI

TI

ON

P R

O C

E S

S

T Y

P E

P R

O G

R A

M

S I T

E

S Y

S T

E M

5.00

EM

BA

SS

Y

IN

DI

VI

DU

AL

a

nd

C

OL

LE

CT

IV

E

SE

CU

RI

TY

a

nd

O

PE

NE

SS

UR

BA

N

PR

ES

EN

CE

GE

OM

ET

RY

LO

CA

L

CO

NT

EX

T

OR

DE

RI

NG

t

he

S

IT

E

FO

RT

RE

SS

: wall (A

)

TH

RE

SH

OL

D : w

all (B)

SP

EC

TA

CL

E: urban room

SC

RE

EN

: wall (C

)

UR

BA

N

RO

OM

0.06

This book is dedicated to the m

emory of S

eptember 11, 2001.

0.07

CO

NS

TR

AI

NT

PR

IO

RI

TY

PO

SI

TI

ON

P R

O C

E S

S

T Y

P E

P R

O G

R A

M

S I T

E

S Y

S T

E M

Th

e p

roje

ct resu

lts from

the

care

ful a

rticula

tion

of th

e p

rob

lem

an

d a

sub

seq

ue

nt o

rde

ring

of co

nstra

ints w

ithin

the

con

text o

f a p

rop

osa

l.

0.08

As students of architecture, the purpose of our labor is to find our position in architecture. T

he process of iteration, approaching and solving diverse problems, is crucial in the

determination of position. A

s we collect experience in design process, w

e must attem

pt to synthesize our individual responses into conclusions about architecture. The

importance of a project is less contained in particular site, program

, or solution, than in one’s ideas and the process by which they are developed.

Design is series of calculated decisions that contribute to the faithful resolution of relevant forces and the concretization of ideas. I believe in the m

odel of the design process is

a cyclic series of action and reflection. The processes by w

hich we determ

ine our responses may be m

ore or less deliberate, but without exception, are m

anifest in action. The

act may be one of a m

ultitude of possibilities: drawing, reading, w

riting, building, making. E

qually important, is reflection upon w

hat we have done. It is in this essential process

of extracting ideas from draw

ings, readings, writings, m

odels, objects that progress in design is made. P

rogress is severely inhibited by the lack of action, or, the lack of reflection.

PR

OC

ES

S

PO

SIT

ION

To design is to cultivate a sophisticated definition of problem. E

very design problem has, contained w

ithin it, particular ‘forces’, exerted by general and specific aspects inherent

in it. These forces contribute to the translation by the designer of the given problem

into the Problem

. These com

ponent forces must be identified sorted, and ultim

ately, prioritized,

in the formulation of a design problem

. Priority, though the result of careful analysis, is highly dependent upon the w

ill of the designer; his/her sensitivity and imagination. A

s such,

the architect is charged with the task of form

ulation of responses to architectural problems. D

uring this process the architect must ally him

self with constraints, as they contrubute

to a framew

ork within w

hich potential solutions are tested and refined. Constraints provide a necessary resistance to the architects w

ill, which, w

hen synthesized thoughtfully,

strengthen a project. An architect m

ust not simply fulfill requirem

ents, but to take advantage of what the project ‘m

ust be’.

PR

IOR

TY

an

d C

ON

ST

RA

INT

Reflective design cycle

0.09

1.10

The experim

ents of architects only become ‘architecture’

when they are correlated w

ith particular building tasks.

(Norberg-S

chulz - Intentions in Architecture)

1.11

EM

BA

SS

Y

IN

DI

VI

DU

AL

CO

LL

EC

TI

VE

SE

CU

RIT

Y a

nd

OP

EN

ES

S

P R

O C

E S

S

T Y

P E

P R

O G

R A

M

S I T

E

S Y

S T

E M

An essential com

ponent of the project is to re-interpret the meanings of D

iplomacy and its institution; the em

bassy.

1.12

Finnish E

mbassy : W

ashington DC

(1990-1994)

EM

BA

SS

Y : IN

DIV

IDU

AL

Em

bassy is an architectural type with a m

ission and message. T

raditionally, embassies

have been built for individual nations as an embodim

ent of their cultures and values. Though

an architecture of embassy can assist in the reading of a nations identity, form

and appearance

are but two com

ponents of the text. To the extent that a tectonic language can be manipulated

to effectively accomm

odate the functions of the embassy, architecture can be expressive.

Washington D

C is w

idely recognized as the worlds m

ost important city for diplom

acy. The F

innish embassy pioneered the now

-popular expansion of the building program to

accomodate social and cultural events. O

ver a dozen countries are currently or plan to soon follow suit, each trying to out-do each other w

ith bigger and better buildings. Designed

by Finnish architects H

eikkinen + K

omonen, the m

odestly-scaled building leaves its wooded site m

ainly undisturbed. In this the architects set a tone of subtlety in the manner of

representing Finland. M

aterials, such as natural wood and copper, are untreated and allow

ed to be transformed by nature. T

he program of room

s includes the requisite sauna and,

interestingly, spaces which are used for events, not only social but cultural as w

ell. It is this feature in particular for which the em

bassy as become m

ost known am

ongst

Washington diplom

ats. In fact, the use of the facility for events to attract important visitors has com

e to be called the ‘new diplom

acy of Washington’.

1.13

The case of an em

bassy representing many countries, the num

ber of which m

ay be still

undetermined, is a com

plex problem in architecture. T

he political union of many nations

inevitably seeks balance between the individual and the collective identity. A

responsive

architecture must define a clear unity w

ithin a disparate collection. This duality offers

significant opportunity to combine and reconcile opposing forces in architectural term

s.

EM

BA

SS

Y: C

OL

LE

CT

IVE

The N

ordic Em

bassy Com

plex in Berlin, G

ermany is perhaps the m

ost relatable

built precedent, in terms of program

me. T

he Com

mon B

uilding & M

aster Plan w

as

made by the A

ustrian/Finnish partnership called B

erger + P

arkkinen architekten. It

represents an attempt to reconcile issues of representing the five individual N

ordic

countries, as well as a cohesive w

hole.

The planners chose to divide the am

orphous figure into six portions, each geo-

metrically unique. E

ach of the five countries (Denm

ark, Sw

eden, Finnland, Iceland,

Norw

ay) occupy a section, while the sixth houses a shared reception and exhibition

building. Although size varies, likely based on the individual requirem

ent of each

nation, the arrangement is deliberately non-heirarchical. E

ach individual Em

bassy

is designed by architects chosen by their respective countries.The M

aster Plan ties

the complex together by w

rapping a “Wall” of 4.000 non-adjustable copper louvers

around the buildings and their joint reception and exhibition areas.

Nordic E

mbassy C

omplex : B

erlin (1995-1999)

2.14

An im

portant defining ‘force’ in this project is the issue of protecting the occupants of the building. Typically,

an embassy has been classified as an attractive target for terrorist attack because of its sym

bolic political

importance for the nation it represents. A

s this project intends to represent the European C

omm

unity, a

collection of nations, the likelihood that it might be a target is a substantial risk. T

hus, great effort has been

made to m

ake the primary m

easure of security in a responsive architectural form.

Two categories of protection can be identified: reduction of risk and m

itigating the effects.The nature of an

attack is likely an explosive threat; either a car bomb or a m

issle. In either case, a movem

ent to “harden”

buildings has begun. As is the case w

ith traditional threats, earthquake and fire, design efforts are focused

on minim

izing loss of life. Tw

o major considerations of blast-resistant design and construction are: 1) the

fragmentation and propulsion of architectural and other building com

ponents, which becom

e projectile

threats to life safety; and 2) the loss of structural load-carrying capacity and stability.

PR

EC

ED

EN

TS

for P

RO

TE

CT

ION

2.15

DIV

ER

SE

PR

EC

ED

EN

TS

As part of the investigations for this project, a diverse collection

of precedents was discovered w

hich informed the design. T

he

issue of protection is a crucial constraint in the development of

all products. Architects m

ay inform their w

ork, especially when

dealing with technical constraints, through the study of fields

outside of the traditional building practice. This transference of

research and development into architecture is necessary as

technology advances available means of production.

2.16

2.17

the

EU

RO

PE

AN

UN

ION

TH

EM

E a

nd

VA

RIA

TIO

N

UR

BA

N R

OO

M

P R

O C

E S

S

T Y

P E

P R

O G

R A

M

S I T

E

S Y

S T

E M

In the making of a ‘new

’ building type, the definition of a use-program substantiates the program

me: ‘H

ow should E

urope be represented to the World?’

2.18

the

EU

RO

PE

AN

UN

ION

HIS

TO

RY

The E

uropean Union is a unique, treaty-based, institutional fram

ework that defines and m

anages economic

and political cooperation among its fifteen E

uropean mem

ber countries. The U

nion is the latest stage in a

process of integration begun in the 1950s by six countries - France, G

ermany, Italy, the N

etherlands, Belgium

and Luxembourg - w

hose leaders signed the original treaties establishing various forms of E

uropean integra-

tion. These treaties gave life and substance to the novel concept that, by creating com

munities of shared

sovereignty in matters of coal and steel production, trade and nuclear energy, another w

ar in Europe w

ould be

unthinkable. While the E

U has evolved com

mon policies in a num

ber of other sectors since then, the funda-

mental goal of the U

nion remains the sam

e: to create an ever closer union among the peoples of E

urope.

Due largely to the success of E

urope’s economic integration, there are now

15 EU

mem

ber states (Austria,

Belgium

, Denm

ark, Finland, F

rance, Germ

any, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxem

bourg, the Netherlands, P

ortugal,

Spain, S

weden, and the U

nited Kingdom

), and mem

bership will likely increase to m

ore than twenty soon.

ME

MB

ER

SH

IP

Union m

embership is open to any E

uropean country with stable dem

ocratic government, a good hum

an rights

record, a properly functioning market econom

y, and the macroeconom

ic fitness to fulfil the obligations of

mem

bership. Candidates m

ust have the capacity to fulfill and implem

ent EU

laws and regulations (know

n as

the ‘acquis comm

unautaire’).

To date, four enlargements have taken place in the evolution of the E

uropean Union: D

enmark, Ireland and the

United K

ingdom joined the original six E

uropean Com

munity m

embers in 1973. G

reece joined in 1981, fol-

lowed by S

pain and Portugal in 1986. A

ustria, Finland, and S

weden acceded to the E

uropean Union on January

1, 1995. Norw

ay had also negotiated and signed an accession treaty in 1994, but Norw

egian voters narrowly

rejected mem

bership in a referendum.

Although it w

as not officially an enlargement, the five ‘Laender’,or regions, of the form

er Germ

an Dem

ocratic

Republic entered the U

nion as part of a united Germ

any on October 3, 1990. T

he European U

nion is currently

preparing for a fifth enlargement tow

ards Central and E

astern Europe.

2.19

1973

1981

1985

1995

CZ

EC

H R

EP

UB

LICE

ST

ON

IAH

UN

GA

RY

PO

LAN

DS

LOV

EN

IA

BE

LGIU

M

FR

AN

CE

GE

RM

AN

Y

ITALY

LUX

EM

BO

UR

G

NE

TH

ER

LAN

DS

DE

NM

AR

K

IRE

LAN

D

UN

ITE

D K

ING

DO

M

GR

EE

CE

SP

AIN

PO

RT

UG

AL

AU

ST

RIA

FIN

LAN

D

SW

ED

EN

1998

LATVIA

LITH

UA

NIA

RO

MA

NIA

SLO

VAK

IAS

WIT

ZE

RLA

ND

TU

RK

EY

1951

FINLA

ND

SW

ED

EN

SPA

IN

FRA

NC

E

GE

RM

AN

Y

ITALY

UK

IRE

PO

RTU

GA

L

AU

S

NE

THE

RLA

ND

SLU

XE

MB

OU

RG

BE

LGIU

M

GR

EECE

2.20

The C

ompeition B

rief which prom

pted my interest in this project asked for a response to this crucial question: ‘H

ow should E

urope be represented in the world?’ It is interesting

to examine how

the European C

omm

unity has chosen to represent itself in the Euro, its new

ly adopted shared currency, .

The w

inning designs, by Robert K

alina of the Oesterreichische N

ationalbank, feature architectural elements from

seven important architectural periods in E

urope’s cultural

history. The decision to feature iconic architectural elem

ents in the note series is an attempt to achieve unity both in the series and the participating countries, through a system

that might be term

ed Them

e and Variation. T

he system consists of tw

o key components: the F

ormat, and the V

ariables. The F

ormat is a set of consistent characteristics

throughout the series such as: placement, size, font, and content. T

he Variables are used as clearly identifiable differences betw

een each of the notes that help to establish

Identity. In this case the identity is accorded to denominations (5,10,20,50,100,200, and 500 E

uros).

There are eight E

uro coins. Each euro coin has one side that is com

mon to all 12 M

ember S

tates. This design show

s variations of the map of E

urope. The designs for the

European side w

ere selected following a com

petition organised by the European C

omm

ission and were approved by the M

inisters of the Mem

ber States. T

he reverse side of

each coin shows individual designs relating to the respective M

ember S

tate, surrounded by 12 stars. Euro coins can be used anyw

here in the euro area, regardless of their

national sides.

TH

EM

E a

nd

VA

RIA

TIO

N: th

e E

UR

O

2.21

4.22

To b

uild

we

ll in th

e city in

clud

es a

n o

blig

atio

n to

con

tribu

te

positively to the life of the place. Public institutions, especially,

have the potential to provide the city with public gathering places

of worthy significance. T

he urban room is characterized prim

arily

by m

on

um

en

tal sca

le a

nd

versa

tility to a

ccom

od

ate

vario

us

uses. In many cases, the m

ost architecturally powerful of these

spaces endures despite the evolution of changing uses.

UR

BA

N R

OO

M

the ‘old post office’

National A

ir and Space M

useum

Union S

tationN

ational Building M

ueseum

4.23

Em

bassy for the European C

omm

unity: early study

The E

mbassy for the E

uropean Com

munity should

embody the im

portance as well as the cultural values

of Europe. In so doing, it w

ill provide a powerful urban

place. Its origin is rooted in the structure of European

cities.

Th

e

Em

ba

ssy is

an

‘a

rchite

ctura

l

ambassador’ to the city of W

ashington DC

.

4.24

4.25

P R

O C

E S

S

T Y

P E

P R

O G

R A

M

S I T

E

S Y

S T

E M

Particular site conditions inform

the ordering of space and formation of urban room

.

UR

BA

N P

RE

SE

NC

E

GE

OM

ET

RY

LO

CA

L C

ON

TE

XT

OR

DE

RIN

G th

e S

ITE

4.26

The program

(me) suggested that this building should have a significant presence in the urban context. T

herefore,

a project site was chosen for its significant size, location, and possibility for expansion. T

he chosen site is

strategically located at the termination of E

mbassy R

ow (along northw

est Massachusetts A

venue), at Mount

Vernon S

quare.

UR

BA

N P

RE

SE

NC

E

4.27

SIT

E G

EO

ME

TR

Y

The site geom

etry is a product of the L’enfant plan for Washington

D.C

., wh

ich re

sulte

d fro

m th

e co

mb

ina

tion

of B

aro

qu

e a

xial

boulevards with an orthagonal street grid T

he triangular project site

is stretched along the east-west axis, its w

estern end the widest. Its

long side is oriented along New

York A

venue, facing southeast.

4.28

LOC

AL C

ON

TEX

TT

he site offers an opportunity to contribute to the development of

a particular zone of the city. In addition to the existing convention

center to the south of the site, a new, larger convention com

plex is

growing near the eastern end. T

he Em

bassy replaces existing

surface parking on the site. The E

mbassy com

plex could be linked

to nearby metro lines.

4.29

LOC

AL C

ON

TEX

TA

s the surrounding buildings are relatively low, the site is free of shade

for the entire day. The location of the site occurs at an apparent ‘edge’

of d

en

se co

mm

ercia

l de

velo

pm

en

t alo

ng

Ne

w Y

ork A

ven

ue

. Th

is

imp

orta

nt a

xial b

ou

leva

rd le

ad

s to th

e m

on

um

en

tal ce

nte

r of

Washington D

.C.

4.32

Attem

pts to order the project in accordance with the particular geom

etry of the site served as a way of beginning. T

hrough countless

iterations, three ideas were consistently m

aintained : 1) The inclusion of a set of sim

ilar repeated elements w

hich represents the

individual nations of the EU

, 2) Though a specific program

of spaces was still developing, the site should be claim

ed and occupied

in its entirety, 3) The building should m

aintain a clear order which w

ould allow for extension w

hen needed.

OR

DE

RIN

G T

HE

SIT

E

4.33

5.34

The relations betw

een the elements are usually m

ore

important then the elem

ents themselves.

(Norberg-S

chulz : Intentions in Architecture)

5.35

The project w

as developed as a coherent system, w

hich strives toward legibility despite its overw

helming scale.

P R

O C

E S

S

T Y

P E

P R

O G

R A

M

S I T

E

S Y

S T

E M

FO

RT

RE

SS

:W

AL

L(A

)

TH

RE

SH

OL

D:

WA

LL

(B)

SP

EC

TA

CL

E

SC

RE

EN

:W

AL

L(C

)

5.36

ST

RU

CT

UR

E

Th

e b

uild

ing

pla

n is re

spo

nsive

to th

e sh

ap

e o

f the

site a

nd

the

desire to create spaces between the building volum

es. The result is

the creation of useful ground for public spaces amongst the building

figu

res.

Parallel typological trajectories (w

all types: A,B

,C) coexist, w

hile never

merging. B

y definition, they maintain a clear and constant separation.

These w

alls are periodically linked by perpendicular interruptions

ma

de

by circu

latio

n e

lem

en

ts, ea

ch re

ceivin

g a

nd

resp

on

din

g

according to its typological nature: Fortress, T

hreshold, Screen.

The result of structuring the program

into several wall entities, and

the situations created where they form

ally interact with one another

is a complex system

. As such, it results from

the harmonization of the

ind

ividu

al o

rde

rs (A,B

,C), e

ach

with

a p

articu

lar se

t of fo

rces

influencing its formation. A

rchitecture results in the affecting of one

order with another. T

he aim is the creation of a syntax that m

ediates

between the parallel orders, recognizing the ‘points of alignm

ent’. In

this methodology lies an inherent position for m

aking strong form

ba

sed

on

con

sen

sus w

ithin

the

vario

us p

ara

llel o

rde

rs. Th

is

juxtaposition of orders, therefore, concentrates on unity and, ultimately,

the legibility of the architecture.

5.37

ABC C C C

5.38

The spatial program

for embassy is organized according to levels

of relative privacy and protection. Three distinct w

all types: (A, B

, C)

are differentiated through tectonic strategies of applied layers which

respond to their individual programs.

1 nation module

2 ambassador cham

ber

3 blast wall

4 mechanical

1 secure conference

2 exhibit galleries

3 media screen

4 mechanical

5 entrance plaza

Type

(A) : fo

rtress

1 hellicopter pad

2 bridge terraces

3 department offices

4 library

5 retail|dining

6 plaza entrance

7 draw bridge

8 mechanical

Typ

e (B

) : thre

sho

ldT

yp

e (C

) : sc

ree

n

CO

RR

EL

AT

ION

: an

Arc

hite

ctu

re o

f Th

ree

Wa

lls

ABC

5.39

AC

B

1

22

3

44

5

3

3

2 13

(4)

(5)

7 6

8

111 222

3

4

5.40

Wall (A

) is a spatially democratic organization com

prised of 20 equivalent modules. D

ue to its proximity to the street, its nature is

a fortified structure which derives its protective character through the redundancy of bounding layers. V

iew and light are selectively

permitted through slots in the exterior screen. T

he stacked arrangement of m

odules consists of five segments, w

hich act as

independent towers in case of collapse. T

he most insulated volum

e contains the office of the ambassador.

FO

RT

RE

SS

: WA

LL

(A)

In darkness, the effect of the layered density of the facade and the Am

bassador chambers inside are revealed.

A

5.41

5.42

IDE

NT

ITY

an

d E

QU

IVA

LE

NC

E

Identity may be m

anifest in the relationship of parts to the whole.

The identity of individual nations versus the identity of the unified

whole of the E

U is a question of priority. D

egrees of differentiation

possible range from extrem

e to subtle. Unity is possible w

hen

the identity of the individual part contibutes to the legibility of the

whole.

Th

e m

od

ule

s con

sist of id

en

tical 1

:4:1

volu

me

s de

line

ate

d b

y

site-cast concrete primary structure. T

he permanent order of the

fram

e w

hich

me

mb

er n

atio

ns a

re fre

e to

utilize

. Th

e fra

me

is

de

sign

ed

to b

e a

da

pta

ble

. Co

lum

ns a

re o

ver-stru

cture

d to

accomm

odate the addition of second level if needed.

The fram

e is a unifying structure, which is readily inhabited by the

me

mb

er n

atio

ns o

f the

EC

. Th

e d

om

ain

of o

ccup

ird b

y ea

ch

mem

ber country is distinct,yet integrated into the stacked pattern

of the wall. R

elative positions are randomly assigned and varied.

Each m

odule is similar in the extent to w

hich it can be altered or

customized. T

he freedom for expression of the individual nations

is internalized, with the greatest freedom

accomm

odated at the

interior.

A

5.43

Wall (A

): exterior elevation

Wall (A

): longitudinal section

5.44

FO

RT

IFIC

AT

ION

A

The stacked arrangem

ent of the modules expresses their structural interdependency,

while the autonom

y of each is maintained. T

he dense character of the modules is

distinctly contrasted with the resultant void betw

een stacks. These voids provide

some m

easure along the vast extent of the northern facade. The m

odular distance

recognizes the scale of the adjacent context along the street.

The outerm

ost layer stands as a unifying gesture. The screen m

akes an equivalent

field, from w

hich a pattern emerges autom

atically when repeated. T

he location as the

outermost layer establishes unification as the face of the unified E

urope for the world.

Wall (A

): partial elevation

5.45

Wall (A

): sectionW

all (A): screen section

5.46

The nature of the w

all (A) construction is conceived of as a m

odern fortress in that it seeks to re-interpret

the typology of Fortress and its particular quality: m

assiveness. Early design invesigations focused on

the tradition of mass as m

eans of protection. Traditionally, m

ass in architecture had manifest itself as

material density. M

assiveness was inherently linked to archaic m

ethods of construction, which have

proven inapproporiate for hedium and high-rise buildings. A

s a result, the focus in the development of

a fortified wall in the project focused on a contem

porary interpretation of mass as visual density. B

y

dividing the responsibilties required of boundary condition at wall (A

), a system of discreet m

aterial

layers was developed.

MO

DE

RN

MA

SS

For the concentration of m

ass-elements defined by adjoining surfaces it is of

decisive importance the ‘corners’ be intact. T

he treatment of corners, therefore,

often determines our interpretation of the m

ass-form, and tells us if the building

is intended as a massive block or as a juxtaposition of thin bounding surfaces.

(Norberg-S

chulz)

AK

unsthaus Bregenz: Z

umthor

5.47

A m

assive system is defined as consisting of elem

ents which are sim

ultaneously

bounding and supporting. (ibid.)

The size of the openings is also of decisive im

portance to the characterization

of the mass…

Relatively sm

all openings (holes) stress the massivity. (ibid.)

San C

arlino alle Quattro F

ontane (1:1 model): M

ario Botta | A

caddemia di A

rchitetturaS

ignal Box: H

erzog + DeM

euron

5.48

MO

DE

RN

MA

SS

A m

ultitude of proposals that explored the possibilities for expressing massiveness

were m

ade. Inevitably, these relied on a notion of a deceptive appearance. Eventually,

the

stud

y of m

ass le

d to

an

atte

mp

t to re

de

fine

, acco

rdin

g to

a co

nte

mp

ora

ry

understanding, mass as a density of bounding layers.

A

5.49W

all (A): studies for a m

assive construction system

5.50

AM

BA

SS

AD

OR

CH

AM

BE

R

The am

bassador chamber is conceived of as an ‘indestructible’ object, w

hich stands as the last layer of protection of the occupants of each

chancery suite. In the case of a severe attack, the integrity of the layered facade and the overstructured structural frame could be com

promised.

In that case there is a risk of progressive collapse (‘pancaking’ of floors, one atop each other). The am

bassador chamber w

ould be made to

withstand the cum

ulative load of collapsed floors upon it, and its contents would survive relatively intact.

A

5.51

21

3 4

21 2 3

4

Wall (A

): stack section

5.52

12

1 Stain

less steel mesh

is an interwoven fabric, w

hich is available

in several types and patterns, which transm

it variable amounts

of filtered light. This m

aterial will serve as a barrier against flying

glass and other projectile fragments.

2 Cast g

lass chan

nels are m

ore rigid than glass sheets due to

their structural cross section. Glass channels serve as insulated

double glazing and as an effective sound barrier when stacked

back to back.

Th

e

sp

ac

es

b

etw

ee

n

the

w

all

lay

ers

a

re

ha

bita

ble

.

1 2 3

4

LA

YE

RE

D F

AC

AD

E

A

21

3 4

22

5.53

34

3 T

he precast conrete screen-wall is tied to the building fram

e with

stee

l struts w

hich

are

de

sign

ed

to a

bso

rb b

last e

ne

rgy a

nd

strategically fail.This system

can be understood as a ‘crum

ple

zon

e’ for the building.

4 A self-su

pp

ortin

g co

ncrete screen

-wall serves as the absorber

of energy from a blast. It m

ust withstand the unpredictable blast

force trajectory and withstand the w

ave of energy.

5.54

PR

OT

EC

TIV

E S

CR

EE

NW

AL

L

A

The exterior screen w

all is stands independent of the building structure. It

is made by a system

of stacked precast concrete components . T

he kit

includes four types of interlocking plank sectionsw

hich may be individually

configured according to the needs of each mem

ber state. When assem

bled

and post-tensioned, the wall acts as an expendable shield.T

he screenwall

is a re

du

nd

an

t structu

ral syste

m. It is m

ad

e to

stan

d, d

esp

ite p

artia

l

destruction, by transferring structural loading to alternate short spans.

Stacked, load-bearing colum

ns carry dead loads to ground.A

Vierendel beam

comprised of prefabricated segm

ents spans between stacked colum

ns.

5.55

A set of prefabricated segm

ents spans between secondary spacer-colum

ns.

5.56

TH

RE

SH

OL

D : W

AL

L (B

)

Wall (B

) is positioned as the threshold between the very public w

all (C) and very private

wall (A

). In this layer, the EU

departments interact w

ith the executives of mem

ber countries

and the public. The form

of this building layer is the result of the effect by adjacent orders.

Th

e o

ccasio

na

l vertica

l core

an

d th

e p

en

etra

tion

of b

ridg

es m

ea

sure

the

ho

rizon

tal

continuity of floors. The organization of functions w

ithin the wall is linear. E

ach department

occupies a floor (that grows along its length w

hen necessary). Its skeletal grid construction

creates spaces for adaptable and flexible uses.

B

11

11

12

12

3

0

33

3

11

21

1

A set of feature elem

ents are used to

articulate the public face of wall (B

).

0 Public T

hreshold

1 Retail display | cafe’

2 Reading terrace

3 Bridge A

perture

5.57

5.58

AD

AP

TA

BIL

ITY

: EV

OL

UT

ION

OF

US

E

The potential change in usage of a building is an essential issue for architects to address in design. A

building will likely

be expected to adapt to changing needs of its users, or, to change in use. The building m

ust be recognized as an

instrument at the service its user. To anticipate re-use reqiures us not to overestim

ate the initial use. This can be translated

in te

rms o

f structu

ring

spa

ce a

nd

sug

ge

sting

pa

ttern

s of u

sag

e w

itho

ut p

rescrib

ing

pa

rticula

r me

an

s of u

se. It is

acco

mp

lishe

d h

ere

thro

ug

h a

ad

ap

tab

le o

rde

red

system

. Lin

ea

r ord

ers a

llow

for lo

gica

l me

an

s of e

xpa

nsio

n w

he

n

necessary. The requisite flexiblity required shifts focus tow

ard the boundary condition and the degree of envelope presence.

B

Wall (B

): Section | E

levation

5.59

Wall (B

): Plans (all levels)

Concourse

Retail | D

ining

Lib

rary

Begin C

onsular Offices

5.60

DU

AL

ITY

: PU

BL

IC

B

Wall (B

) defines the northern edge of the Urban R

oom.

It serves as a means for controlling access to secure

areas. Sim

ultaneously, it contains uses which serve

and sustain the public concourse.

5.61

DU

AL

ITY

: PR

IVA

TE

Wall (B

): View

from B

ridge Aperture

Wall (B

): View

from B

ridge Entrance

Wall (B

): Section at B

ridge Aperture | P

ublic Entrance

5.62

SP

EC

TA

CL

E : U

RB

AN

RO

OM

5.63

5.64

SC

RE

EN

: WA

LL

(C)

An alternating series of planar glass volum

es and transparent glass

boxes suspended between, serves as a protective barrier from

street

noise and ballistics. The w

all segments contain exhibition galleries,

while the volum

es serve to exhibit diplomacy conferences. E

ach is

structured as a single column row

, which support crossing structure

for the conference volumes. E

ach segment is served by a rigid core

at each end which allow

for egress and services.

C

5.65

Wall (C

): Section

5.66

TR

AN

SP

AR

EN

CY

C

Wall (C

) exploits a condition of extreme transparency. Its linear galleries are designed to reveal their contents to the

city, while the secure conference room

s above become parts of an exhibition of dem

ocratic openess.

5.67

Wall (C

): Plan at Level 8

Wall (C

): Section | E

levation

5.68

LE

GIB

ILIT

Y : a

CO

NC

LU

SIO

N

5.69

This project for an E

mbassy for the E

uropean Com

munity is the result of a process of synthesis. It sim

ultaneously makes a

structure for public space in conjunction with the developm

ent of programm

atic structure. It offers an ordering system that

reconciles issues relevant to general (urban) and particular (local) realms. W

ith the considerable scale of the complex, com

es

an obligation to make a legible architecture. T

he necessary degree of predictability increases with the scale of a project. W

here

a residence is closely related to the scale of an inhabitant, the vast, urban complex m

ust mediate betw

een a range of scales, from

urban to the individual. The w

hole is rarely, if ever, viewed or experienced in its entirety. Instead, the reading of the structure m

ust

rely on a reasonable, repetitive module. T

hus, the large project relies heavily on an ordering system.

6.70

I would like to express m

y sincere gratitude to all who have becom

e a part of my life and w

ork:

To my com

mittee; I w

ill continue to appreciate your contribution to my education as an A

rchitect.To

my friends; it has been a pleasure to learn w

ith you.

To Daniela; N

o words can express m

y appreciation for everything you have done for me, and the

time w

e have spent together.

6.71

Studies in Tectonic C

ulture : Fram

pton

Intentions in Architecture : N

orberg- Schulz

Lessons for Students of A

rchitecture : Hertzberger

Technology, Place &

Architecture: T

he Jerusalem S

eminar in A

rchitecture : F

rampton (editor)

Theorizing a N

ew A

genda for Architecture : K

ate Nesbitt (editor)

Palladio’s C

hildren : Habraken

PR

INT

ED

SO

UR

CE

S

PH

OT

OG

RA

PH

IC C

RE

DIT

S

All im

ages created by Author except the follow

ing:

Finnish E

mbassy - W

ashington DC

: ww

w.H

eikinen-Kom

onen.fi/

Nordic E

mbassy - B

erlin: ww

w.B

erger-Parkkinen.com

/

Suit of A

rmor: w

ww

.MedievalW

eaponry.com/

Snow

Fence: w

ww

.DG

Iindustries.com/

Auto F

rame: w

ww

.AutoR

acing.com/

Offshore O

il Rig: w

ww

.OffshoreTechnology.com

/

6.72

EX

PE

RIE

NC

E

ED

UC

AT

ION

HO

NO

RS

| AW

AR

DS

WA

RR

EN

KA

RK

AR

CH

ITE

CT

christiansburg, va

VP

I+S

U: C

ollege of Architecture +

Urban S

tudies : Graduate Teaching A

ssistant blacksburg, va

DE

CK

ER

LEG

GE

KE

MP

Architecture Landscape P

lanning, Inc.chicago

HA

RR

ING

TO

N IN

ST

ITU

TE

of INT

ER

IOR

DE

SIG

N : A

djunct Faculty

chicago

the HE

CK

Y G

RO

UP

akron, oh

Master of A

rchitecture

VIR

GIN

IA P

OLY

TE

CH

NIC

INS

TIT

UT

E and S

TAT

E U

NIV

ER

SIT

Y blacksburg,va

College of A

rchitecture and Urban S

tudies

2002 : 1999

2002 : 2000

2001 : 1999

1999 : 1996

1999 : 1998

Bachelor of A

rchitecture

KE

NT

STA

TE

UN

IVE

RS

ITY

kent,oh

School of A

rchitecture and Environm

ental Design

1996 : 1992

SO

M F

oundation Traveling F

ellowship: P

ortfolio Com

petitionS

OM

- finalist2

00

2

INform

Magazine A

nnual Design A

wards: O

bjects + F

urnitureA

ward | P

ublication

20

01

VIrginia S

ociety AIA

: Virginia P

rize Student C

ompetition

VA

- honorable mention

Graduate F

aculty Aw

ard for Excellence in the S

tudy of Architecture

Bruce S

cott Scholarship for the S

tudy of Ethical Issues in A

rchitecture

Tau Sigm

a Delta H

onor Society

Invitee

SO

M F

oundation Traveling F

ellowship: P

ortfolio Com

petitionV

PI - nom

inee

AC

SA

|Wood P

roducts Council International S

tudent Design C

ompetition

First P

rize2

00

0

Virginia S

ociety AIA

: Virginia P

rize Student C

ompetition

VP

I - finalist

Kent S

tate Chapter | Tau S

igma D

elta Design C

ompetition

Fin

alist

19

96

Kent S

tate Chapter | Tau S

igma D

elta Design C

ompetition

Fin

alist

19

95

Ohio C

oncrete Block A

ssociation : Annual D

esign Com

petitionK

SU

- Third P

rize1

99

4

19

96

SK

IDM

OR

E O

WIN

GS

ME

RR

ILL LLPsan francisco, ca

: 2002

CA

US

European R

esidency: Riva S

an Vitale, S

witzerland

SA

ED

European R

esidency: Firenze, Italy

ST

UD

Y A

BR

OA

D

20

01

20

02

19

94

International Architectural E

ducation Exchange U

rban Design W

orkshop: Lisbon, Portugal

6.73